If A Potential Contact or Employer Calls at a Bad Time, Don't Panic!

During a job search that involves networking, getting a call back from a contact or hiring manager can be an exciting experience. Knowing you did something right to get your foot in the door is rewarding during the job search process.

Getting a call back can be exciting but chances are, there will be an instance in which you will be tied up with something else and will not be in a position to talk right then and there. Getting a call at a bad moment can happen and you do not want to offend the person on the other end by getting short, snotty or impatient with him or her.

If you are ever called by a network contact or hiring manager at a bad time, do not panic. Getting calls at inconvenient times can happen but relaxing and telling the person on the other end that you are not able to talk at that moment can help keep your foot in the door.

When you get a call at a bad moment, always try to accomplish the following:

- thank the person for the call
- in a calm manner and without sounding rushed, mention you are not in a position to talk
- get the person's contact information and ask when a good time to call back would be

Some examples of what to say can consist of the following:

"Thank you (insert name here) for calling me back. I am interested in discussing the opportunity more with you. Unfortunately, I am a bit tied up at the moment. Could I have a phone number and a time in which I can call you back later today or tomorrow morning?"

"I appreciate you taking the time to call me about the opportunity. Unfortunately, I cannot take your call at this time. What is a number and a good time for me to reach you again?"

"I want to thank you for taking the time to call me. I'm afraid that I am a bit tied up at the moment but would still be interested in discussing the opportunity. What is your phone number and can I give you a call back later today or tomorrow morning?"

If you can, try to avoid statements like "Well, I'm busy!" or "You called me at a bad time" so that it doesn't feel like you are pointing a finger at the person on the other end. Most of the time, if you are calm, polite and ask for a time in which you can call back, the person on the other end will understand.

If you are driving and get a call on your cell phone from a network contact or hiring manager, chances are, that is not always the best time to talk to someone about a networking or job opportunity. Finding a parking lot or another place to take the call is ideal and you can approach the situation in the following ways:

"I appreciate your call (insert name here). Unfortunately I am driving at the moment and cannot really talk. I'm interested in talking to you about the opportunity; can I call you back in 15 minutes when I'm at home?"

"Thank you for calling me (insert name here). Unfortunately, I am driving and cannot talk right now. When would be a good time for me to call you back?"

"(Insert name here), I appreciate you giving me a call. Unfortunately, I am on the road and cannot talk right now. Is there a time later today in which I can call you back?"

If you are calm, polite and offer to call the person back when it is best for him or her, you will still keep your foot in the door and maintain that initial contact.